THE WALL OF FACES

Gary is buried at Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis,MN. PH

We served together in our quest to graduate from Boot Camp.

Gary William Braasch
Marine Corps Private First Class
Born: October 1, 1943
Died: October 7, 1966

Gary William Braasch attended school in Bremer, Jordan and graduated from North High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1961. Gary enjoyed his many hobbies. He always lent a helping hand, and was loved and respected by all, young and old. He worked in the family store, Braasch's Superette at 1722 26th Avenue North, in Minneapolis, Minnesota until enlisting on October 18, 1965 in the Marine Corps. Gary was a Marine Gunner with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine, 1st Platoon. Many a hill and bridge he defended.
Gary was killed when he sustained two gunshot wounds to the body while participating in an operation against hostile forces at Dong Ha, South Vietnam in the vicinity of Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. Gary entered into rest at Crystal Lake Cemetery on October 15, 1966.

Verna Braasch, mother of Gary Braasch

From The Faces Behind the Names by Don Ward

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you , one of the gentle heroes and patriots lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Although we have never met, I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you unselfishly gave to our country. You gave up everything that was important to you in order to fight for our great nation. We are forever in debt to you for your brave gift of liberty to all Americans. Your death was not in vain. May you rest in peace. Gratefully, Joel Campbell